Five of the best apps for making friends

TECH FOR MINGLING: The meet-and-greet app Wiith at work.

Despite the wild success of dating apps like Tinder and Happn, some prefer to simply meet friends without the pressure of dating and new meet and greet apps are cropping up.

"No Plans? No Problem!"

That's the motto of Wiith, the newest of the friend-hunting apps. Connecting people in close proximity who have shared interests, Wiith allows users to create an event - be that going hiking or attending a concert - or join someone else's. The idea is to be spontaneous rather than structuring outings weeks in advance.

http://wiithapp.com/

Mix and mingle amongst friends old and new

Hailing from Paris, Smeeters is a tool for matching like-minded social groups over a drink. Groups are small -- no more than four or six people -- and evenly balanced between the number of girls and guys. Certainly, it's a good situation for meeting potentials, but in case that doesn't happen, the group aspect takes the pressure off.

https://www.smeeters.com/

Where it all started

Claiming 21.55 million members spawning 180 countries, Meetup.com is king when it comes to platonic introductions. It's also the oldest, having started out well before the age of apps in 2002. Based on a vast variety of interest groups of which it claims to have 199,811, the app is for those who prefer a structured activity.  

http://www.meetup.com/

"Call us cheesy, but thank us later"

That's what the folks from Scout say, who have been facilitating introductions since 2007. Hardly a hot-or-not selectivity basis, the app's "Shake to Chat" feature lets you start chatting with someone new and entirely random upon a simple shake of the smartphone.

http://www.skout.com/

New in town?

For those who prefer to meet one-on-one and are seeking a platonic connection, Peoplehunt could be for you. Also based on activities and interest, you could find a workout buddy or someone to practice French with. If you're new to town, it's a great way to meet people who could give you the scoop on where to go for the best burger and shake.

http://peoplehunt.me/

— AFP Relaxnews